Through technology, libraries can expand their role to become ‘community connectors’

AMMAN — In the light of the technological revolution and changes in education around the world, libraries are now not only places for conventional research using traditional methodologies, they are also places to interact with the digital world, researchers said on Monday.

Executive Director of Cuyahoga County Public Library Sari Feldman said libraries are building the legacies of authors and writers who have contributed with their research papers and books. 

“When we think about libraries today, we know we are the centre of community life and community learning. Libraries are building on our legacy,” she said at a panel discussion held by Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation to mark its public library’s 30th anniversary.

Feldman said libraries can play a significant role in educating people about social media and the content published on the Internet.

“With the growth of inexpensive screening media, some of the content… such as CDs and DVDs are no longer really important; they are not the only source for that content,” the US librarian added.

She emphasised the importance of having access to technology in order to provide readers and researchers with a suitable place to write, research, study or communicate. 

“When a library is a place of technology access, it is very important… The technology access goes beyond the PC and Internet access and actually educating people with a resource that is going to support individuals’ education,” Feldman added.

From content consumption to content creation, libraries nowadays should not only help students “find” what they want, but to also “create” what they want, by providing more details to users, she said.

This can also be accomplished through allowing users to submit and create their own content depending on their understanding and knowledge. 

“When people have access to expensive and complex tools, they can come in and learn at the library, they can learn coding, they can support entrepreneurs in all kinds of design software,” she added.

The technological tools can be used to invest in the younger generation to motivate them to visit libraries and participate in the “Maker Space” area in the library to develop their skills and hobbies, according to Feldman.

“Before someone was a writer, they were a reader… We want to strengthen the library’s role… to be a community connecter,” she added. 

PLA Charlie Robinson 2013 Award Recipient Hannelore Vogt said that to cope with the technological revolution, libraries can include virtual reality devices, e-learning, mobile devices, robotics and 3D printing gadgets to keep the visitors engaged in the library atmosphere, where they can also discuss the devices with each other and give hands-on lessons. 

Speaking at the panel, the German expert noted that 3D printing can be part of libraries to encourage visitors to get more involved with their projects, so they can print the sketched outline, in addition to promoting interaction among young visitors.